Right to Information Commission of Sri Lanka

The Right to Information Commission is the central oversight and enforcement agency established under the Right to Information Act, No. 12 of 2016, established under Section 11 of the RTI Act. It is a statutorily independent body which has powers to hold inquiries into complaints on non- compliance and to recommend disciplinary actions against offending officials. It also has the powers to prosecute those who commit offences defined in the Act. [Sections 15, 38 (2) and 39 (4)]

The Commission consists of a Chair and 4 Members appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Constitutional Council. The Constitutional Council is required to, for this purpose, recommend one person each nominated by the a) Bar Association of Sri Lanka, b) media organisations, and c) other civil society organisations. [Section 12 (1)]

The recommended persons should have distinguished themselves in public life and have experience and eminence in their chosen field, not hold political, public or judicial office or any office of profit, not be connected to any political party and not be carrying out any business or pursuing a profession. [Section 12 (2)]

The Commissioners hold office for 5 years. [Section 12 (6) of the RTI Act] and are obliged to not disclose any information that is exempted under the provisions of the RTI Act.[Section 12 (7)]

The Commission shall appoint the Director General and other officers and employees as necessary. The Director – General of the Commission shall be its CEO. (Section 13)

The Commission has its own Fund into which sums of money voted for its use by Parliament and any donations, gifts, or grants from outside sources are credited [Section 16 (1)].

Vision

Ensure that the citizens of Sri Lanka are able to effectively exercise their Right to Information.

Mission

Developing and protecting the Right to Information of all Sri Lankan citizens adhering to a culture of transparency and good governance, through effective adjudication and monitoring of the practices of all Public Authorities, and promoting proactive disclosure which leads to citizens being more ‘aware’ of all information that relates to them.

Objectives

Promote Enabling Measures to Process Requests: Formulate Rules in regard to Appeals, the Inquiry procedure, Fee Schedule for providing information,and Report Formats,develop and publish Guidelines and Directives for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the RTI Act, advise on Regulations proposed by the Ministry of Mass Media, and publicise the Commission’s Oversight and Adjudication role.
Provide Effective Adjudication and Enforcement: Effectively adjudicate disputes between Public Authorities and Information Seekers.
Support the Training of Public Officials: Collaborate in training Public Officials and support specialised training on the Right to Information for stakeholders
Increase Public Awareness: Increase public understanding of the RTI Act through the Commission’s website and through media interaction.
Improve Records Management: Provide precise directions on information management by way of Guidelines.
Increase Proactive Disclosure: Foster proactive disclosure of information by issuing guidelines, setting minimum standards, initiating revisions to existing law, and periodical assessments.
Establish Effective Monitoring and Evaluation: Effective monitoring and evaluation of RTI implementation by Public Authorities through utilisation of appropriate online solutions and assessment tools.